talkmagic.co.uk

Over the last few days I've had the pleasure of meeting and chatting to Michael Vincent and Andy Nyman. Both top blokes who couldn't be more friendly and helpful.

It got me thinking about the whole magic "industry" and how supportive most people are, certainly more so than you tend to find in other performance fields (e.g. actors, musicians, etc) where cliques and rivalries are more common. I doubt whether Sting, Bono or Madonna would reply to an email or phone call - but there's a good chance that, say, Harry Lorayne or Paul Gordon would!

Since joining the HCMS I've found the people there easy-going and happy to share experiences and knowledge - even with a new member like myself. I would also go so far as to say that this very forum is much more helpful and friendly than 99% of internet forums out there. When was the last time we suffered a pointless "flame war" or suchlike?

Maybe I've just been lucky but it genuinely seems that the magic world is full of, for want of a better word, "nice" people, at all levels from amateur to full-time pro. Do you agree? And who is the nicest and most helpful "big name" that you've met?

I've found that performers in magic/mentalism are some of the nicest people you'll want to meet. I haven't had a bad experience, yet.

My top two are Docc Hilford and Rick Maue. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly - and you can tell that they have a deep love for what they do. If you ever get a chance to meet and talk with them - take it.

Patrick Redford is another person high on my list of cool performers.

Of those I've actually met, I'd have to put David Williamson, Terry Herbert, Martin Duffy, Charlie Frye, Juan Tamariz and Paul Daniels at the top of my list of lovely people.

But I've also had email exchanges with Richard Webster, Ed Carlyle, John Riggs and Uri Geller, and they've all been amazingly down-to-earth and helpful. Oh, and that Craig Browning fella is wonderfully supportive too.

The much missed Ali Bongo........

Barry

I wont list the names of the nice guys... because iv'e only ever met 2 I didnt like.

and i cant remember the name of one of them.

(he was a complete w*nker though believe me! )

edit....
(just remebered.. make that 3)

the shaxons are charming, Ali was wonderfull, Paul Daniels, lovely.. Debbie too.
Bobby Bernard.. i know he rubs people up the wrong way, but if you know him he is a real sweetie , and very helpfull.

Berglas is first class,Roni.. a one off.Ive not yet met Derren...
Id love to rectify that one day soon.. Im sure we will get on like a house on fire.
one of the best guys out there .. John Archer. so genuine and lovely.

daleshrimpton wrote:I wont list the names of the nice guys... because iv'e only ever met 2 I didnt like.

and i cant remember the name of one of them.

(he was a complete w*nker though believe me! )

edit....
(just remebered.. make that 3)

Oh, come on. We only met for five seconds!!

Dont worry Its not you pete....

daleshrimpton wrote:Bobby Bernard.. i know he rubs people up the wrong way, but if you know him he is a real sweetie , and very helpfull.

Yes, Bobby is often in International Magic on a Saturday afternoon and comes across a bit grumpy, but he's great underneath it. If you show him something that's good he'll praise you - if it's bad he'll definitely let you know!

Sadowitz is similar, although somewhat more acerbic on a bad day!

TheStoner wrote:
Yes, Bobby is often in International Magic on a Saturday afternoon and comes across a bit grumpy, but he's great underneath it. If you show him something that's good he'll praise you - if it's bad he'll definitely let you know!

Where do you think I get it from?

Juan Tamariz is one of the nicest guys I've met. Talked about magic for a few minutes, then he invited me to join him and a friend so have a card session!

Guy Hollingworth is equally charming, a real gent.

I actually thought Jerry Sadowitz was pretty nice when I met him at International Magic. He was patient with me and didn't swear once. Perhaps he was ill.

Lady Dunners AKA Iain, is also a nice chap. After he plied me with drinks and got me a tad tipsy, he was actually a bit too friendly, if you catch my drift. The Peroni tasted fine. I had no idea that Rohypnol was tasteless.

daleshrimpton wrote:Dont worry Its not you pete....

Really, can you link to any reports or double-blind studies to prove it wasn't me?

I had the pleasure of meeting Derren Brown after one of his shows two weeks ago. Even after putting on what must be a tiring show every night for months on end he still came (and presumably does so most nights) and signed, stood for photos and talked to everyone who came. I had a good conversation with him about his effect, Smoke and he seemed genuinely interested and tried to help me out... It was great to meet him!

david berglas is surprisingly quiet yet has such a commanding presence about him..and a very nice gentleman to boot...

kenton is a lovely fella - very encouraging and helpful, he's even sent me a birthday card!

john riggs too...

i once had Daryl email me to say "hey! i've never met anyone else with the same birthday as me (but different year before someone says it)"...

Roni is of course, both charming, and very funny too...one of the funniest things he ever said at Tabula Mentis, was talking about some of the stuff he makes, he finished with a rubbing of his thumb and index finger and said proudly "Hey, just give an old jew some money!" and cackled...brilliant!

Greg Arce is one of my faves, he's a top lad, always willing to read through my ideas and we've even swopped stuff over the past couple of years...Tony Eye as well..

Jerome Finlay cos of his slight obsession with Kimbo Slice and we just get on...

they are the top pro types that i've dabbled with...

after this horrible name dropping session, its weird how i've made genuine friends from this game too..mainly from this dark and smelly forum...rather strange really...

Dr. Todd was my first, he took my forum cherry in a pub in aldwych...it was good to finally meet someone from TM, and especially Todd...he can swear well too...i shall stop the luvvie like speech here, but yes...if you are lucky enough to make friends in magic that you can trust and talk too..keep hold of them...

some of our TM meets occassionally turn into slobbering love fests...